Wine By Nine

White Wine by Conundrum from California. The puzzle of Conundrum lies partly in guessing the range of grape varieties used, because its exact composition is never revealed! To create the layered flavors that go into the Conundrum blend, Sauvignon Blanc grapes were brought in from the Napa Valley, Muscat Canelli from Tulare County on the Central Coast, and Chardonnay and Viognier from Conundrum's vineyards in Monterey County. About one quarter of the wine lots were fermented in stainless steel in order to preserve their individual fruit characteristics. The remaining lots were fermented in a combination of new and seasoned oak barrels for up to ten months. Conundrum 2006 exhibits soft tropical notes of guava and cherimoya, also peach and honeysuckle. The rich perfume is supported by concentrated and focused layers of peach and apricot nectar, pear and green melon with spicy vanilla notes. The creamy texture and balanced acidity carries through the palate for a long finish.

White Wine by Iron Horse from Sonoma County, California. This is a unique blend of Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Viognier. The grapes come from the T-bar-T vineyard in the Alexander Valley. The perfume smells exactly like the vineyard smells in spring, when all the white flowers are in bloom. This is Iron Horse's last vintage of producing this special, proprietary white. Food pairings: A great vegetable wine - especially with anything involving tomatoes and basil or a raw zucchini salad with rice wine vinaigrette. Also delicious with Florida stone crab, grilled lobster, crab tacos, bay scallop ceviche in butter lettuce cups, broiled white fish with a tangy sauce, grilled chicken Pad Thai and grilled plums with shiso.

White Wine by Folie a Deux from California. The 2006 Menage ? Trois white marries Chardonnay, Muscat and Chenin Blanc. Each variety is individually harvested, gently crushed and cold-fermented in small stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and character and retain the juicy fruit aromas. The Chardonnay is rich and firm. The Muscat is wild and exotic. The Chenin is soft and supportive. Together they make the perfect threesome. This wine is undeniably fruity and unabashedly easy. It exhibits citrus and tropical fruit flavors with crisp acidity.

White Wine by Brassfield from North Coast, California.

White Wine by Cline from Sonoma County, California. Continuing in our maverick tradition. Cline Cellars releases this unique blend of Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay. This wine is to be enjoyed after a hard day of work or a relaxing day by the pool. Enjoy this wine by alone or with light fare such as fresh seasonal fruit, a vegetable crudite or chicken-apple sausage.

White Wine by Big House from Central Coast, California. Big House White is crisp, fragrant and persistent - a riot of citrus, flowers and peach. It is an arresting accompaniment to salmon and roast chicken.

White Wine by Ironstone from California. Ironstone's Obsession has youthful aromas that are markedly floral. Extremely drinkable, this lusciously brilliant and fanciful wine is full of fruit flavors, and finishes crisp and clean. Obsession is a great wine to serve with all kinds of cuisines, especially ones that are on the spicy side. Enjoy Obsession with any type of Thai curry or spicy Chinese dishes. The bright fruit flavors of the Obsession and the rich spiciness of these two cuisines are a fantastic match.